MaMA 

In the restless society, physical well-being is a luxury and commodity. Advertising assures that a fit physique is a choice; it’s simply a matter of
wanting one.

An optimised body not only meets an ideal of beauty; it is less likely to break under pressure. In a society where time is precious and efficiency highly valued, one’s condition seems a prerequisite to excelling. Is there, however, an interesting form of resistance to this system of efficiency via the unproductive labour of repetitive tasks?

In addition to stretching social boundaries and conventions, movement is also used to test the limits of one’s own physical ability. Florentina Holzinger makes explosive and very physical performances in which injuries are not rare. She works with Claudia Maté on animations in which Florentina’s avatar exceeds her actual physically abilities. Suzie van Staaveren makes work that invites touch and usage. For CONDITION, she shows her ceramic rings in an attempt to lure the public into a physical challenge. Vanessa Brazeau wrote her thesis while running. She argues for an integration of the body in education, and during CONDITION, she gives an Ideogging workshop. CONDITION sees MAMA explore alternative forms of fitness and physical well-being. MAMA invites visitors to do the same and, in addition to the exhibition, offers a programme of performances and workshops. Visit showroommama.nl for information on the current programme and registration.

The artists in CONDITION, each from their fascination with movement, demonstrate that training isn’t
always geared towards a fit physique; it can also serve as an exercise in stretching social boundaries. Nina Cristante’s work researches and develops alternative systems for physical well-being and advocates for self-reliance and autonomy. For CONDITION, she shows stills from the new film, “W”, which premieres online at the exhibition’s opening. Life Sport opened in Athens in 2014. Pursuing alternative methods for arts funding, it is a hybrid space that produces and sells jogging pants and provides space for art exhibitions. At MAMA, Life Sport presents an installation featuring their jogging pants, which is reminiscent of sports shops that sell fitness both as product and lifestyle. Julius Thissen’s physical development is part of his artistic practice. Julius was born a biological woman, and his work examines the limits of masculinity and its stereotypes. He often works with his personal trainer and muse on his performances and is presenting two new performances for CONDITION.